Well, after one month the Nashville experiment has not turned out exactly as hoped. After a monthlong trial period, it is evident the city is too expensive and the work prospects too indefinite to be viable. On top of that, Mark's 1994 vehicle is failing and his housing situation is unstable. As such, Mark has determined he needs to return to Buffalo. On the bright side, there is still a chance that working with Nashville-based Shaun Murphy will be an option; it just will need to be done as a long-distance arrangement where Mark flies down for select gigs and tours, but remains based in Buffalo. So in the longer-term this could prove to be a win-win not just for Mark, but for his Buffalo collaborators as well, who will now get to have Mark back to play for WNY gigs.

In the short run, though, Mark desperately needs additional donations to fund the trip home, and he needs it quickly. The new, and final, goal is another $1500 to cover the cost of the moving truck and travel expenses. The first round of fundraising had around 25 donors; if we could get another 15-20 donors, we might well meet the goal. Also, if you previously donated and are willing to add a bit more - even another $25 - that would be amazing. Specifically, to ensure a safer return trip home, Mark is going to ship, rather than tow, his 1994 vehicle and drive a small uHaul truck back with just his cat for company. This is the safest plan, but it's not the cheapest. In addition, he will still need funds to get his vehicle repaired upon his return to Buffalo. So please, let's help Mark over this bump - the situation has been draining both financially and emotionally and he could use a final leg-up.